How Powerful is IT? .38 Special Revolver (S&W J-Frame)

Published on November 26, 2017
Duration: 5:58

This video tests the penetration and velocity of a Smith & Wesson J-Frame revolver chambered in .38 Special, using Perfecta ball ammunition. The test involves shooting through a vehicle door panel and firewall to assess projectile performance. Results indicate significant energy loss and fragmentation upon impact with the vehicle's structure, with the .38 Special performing less effectively than a 9mm in some aspects of this specific test.

Quick Summary

The VSO Gun Channel tested a Smith & Wesson J-Frame revolver in .38 Special using Perfecta ball ammunition. The round penetrated a vehicle door panel, showing fragmentation and energy loss. Against the vehicle's firewall, its performance was noted as less effective than a 9mm in a prior test.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & Setup
  2. 00:13Firearm & Ammunition Identification
  3. 00:35How 'How Powerful Is It' Test Works
  4. 01:19First Shot Velocity Reading
  5. 01:42Post-Door Panel Impact Analysis
  6. 02:45Preparing for Second Shot
  7. 03:03Examining Door Panel Hole
  8. 03:27Firewall Penetration Results
  9. 03:46.38 Special vs. 9mm Comparison
  10. 04:27Second Velocity Shot
  11. 05:06Revised Velocity Reading & Theory

Frequently Asked Questions

What firearm was used in the .38 Special power test?

The video features a Smith & Wesson J-Frame revolver chambered in .38 Special. This compact handgun is known for its concealability and is a popular choice for self-defense.

What type of ammunition was tested in the .38 Special revolver?

The test utilized Perfecta ball ammunition, which is a type of Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) round. The video notes that this is not a Jacketed Hollow Point (JHP) and may perform differently in penetration tests.

How did the .38 Special perform when shooting through a vehicle door?

The .38 Special round successfully penetrated the vehicle door panel. The resulting hole was described as fairly jacketed and large, indicating some fragmentation and energy loss upon impact.

Did the .38 Special penetrate the vehicle's firewall in the test?

The video suggests that the .38 Special round did not perform as well as expected against the vehicle's firewall, with its performance being less effective than a 9mm round in a previous test. The projectile appeared to break up significantly.

More Tactical & Gear Videos You Might Like

More from The VSO Gun Channel

View all →